Aryna Sabalenka, ranked second in the world, is prepared to reward herself to a small sweet after making it to the Italian Open semifinals in Rome on May 15.
The Belarusian defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4, with ease, and advanced to the round of four.
I had been craving gelato for a considerable amount of time now. Regarding the Italian-inspired frozen treat, Sabalenka remarked, “I really think this is the day to go for it.”
In just one hour and thirteen minutes, the second seed defeated Ostapenko, extending her winning streak over the Latvian to three wins and no losses.
The winner of the match between Danielle Collins, the winner of the Miami Open this season, and Victoria Azarenka, the two-time Australian Open champion, will square off with Sabalenka in the final four.
The 26-year-old, who has won the last two Australian Opens, may have another chance to face world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the dramatic 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) loss she suffered in the Madrid final earlier in May.
“Yes, it’s one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really happy to be back in Rome,” Sabalenka continued. Madrid was a difficult place. I retaliated against myself. I’ve discovered my niche. I put everything back together and come back to my best playing.
With Swiatek and world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the other semi-final, Rome marks the first time since the 2013 French Open that the top three women’s seeds have advanced to the final four of a WTA event of 250 level or higher.
Tommy Paul eliminated the fourth-ranked Russian player in the world, Daniil Medvedev, on May 14, thereby ending his title defence early.
The American opponent, who won his first match against the former US Open champion, upset the second seed in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. The second seed has never successfully defended an ATP Tour title and was much below his best.
“I needed to be mentally much stronger. It was too late for me to settle down and concentrate on the game till the very finish,” Medvedev said.
“It’s honestly disappointing. Here, I wanted to perform better.
Paul scarcely broke sweat as he shattered Medvedev’s dreams, wrapping up a one-sided battle in 73 minutes, hitting 18 winners and winning 16 points at the net.
He will now play in his first clay-court Masters 1000 quarterfinal against Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Rafael Nadal earlier in the competition.
“This year, I underwent some training prior to the clay-court season, and it was incredibly beneficial. He remarked on the court, “I’m having fun and I’m really comfortable out here.”
